APEC card sets up no-fuss travel :: Namibia Internet Gateway cc ::

Articles: APEC card sets up no-fuss travel

Posted by admin on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 03:40 AM

While U.S. authorities and EU airlines test security schemes that allow frequent flyers to escape airport delays, the Asia Pacific region is already ahead of the game.
With Singapore recently joining the APEC Business Travel Card program, now executives from 16 countries can travel within the region with less hassle at air terminals. Those with a card do not require a visa when entering participating Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states. They also have fast-track entry through special lanes at major airports. "It makes travel so much easier. After a long flight it is very welcoming to arrive at an airport and use the express immigration lane," Hernan Somerville of the APEC Business Advisory Council said in a statement. In the case of the most recent member, Singapore, card holders will be able to stay 60 days without a visa and return as many times as they need for business. The government of the Lion City says that the system will be operational within a year. Other regions are also trying out schemes that will fast track frequent flyers. The U.S government is experimenting this summer in Minneapolis with Northwest Airlines customers. (Full Story). In Europe, Frankfurt airport, Amsterdam's Schiphol, the UK Home Office and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) are just some of the operators looking at new ways of identification that speed up security checks. (Full Story) Thousands in circulation Over 5,000 APEC travel cards, which are valid for three years, are in circulation. The card works on a "pre-clearance" system through the cooperation of the immigration departments of member countries. Besides Singapore, countries that have already joined the program include: Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Developing economies such as Papua New Guinea have also realized the importance of joining the program -- PNG signed up to the card last year. "There have been complaints...in the past that the clearing of incoming passengers at our international airport has been time-consuming," Chief Secretary Joshua Kalinoe told the National newspaper. "This (had) become an impediment to doing business and exploring investment opportunities in Papua New Guinea." The card was originally tested in 1997 with three APEC members: Australia, Korea, and the Philippines. It was then expanded in April 1998 to include Chile and Hong Kong.

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